USC Flag on HC

[FLAHL]

We had that guy as the visiting coach last week.  During pregame, we found a reflective face shield, 2 kids with eye black that looked like Batman's mask, one one who had "warrior" written on his stick-on eye black.  When we told the coach about this, he started in with "we've been doing this for 4 weeks, nobody else told us we couldn't, etc."  He was particularly upset about the face shield, but didn't have approval from the state for the kid to wear it.  Once the game started, he had something to say during and after every play.  I could go on, but I'm sure you've all worked a guy like this.

I'm lucky to have an experienced crew.  Both wings and the U have been officiating for more than 10 years.  Our BJ is newer, but still has 5 years in our association.  My philosophy is to let the wings handle their sideline.  When I worked the wing, my R threw an USC flag on the HC on my side, and I had to listen to "glad to see your boss come over here and protect you" kind of comments.  After thinking about this all week, I realize that I screwed up.  I should have thrown a flag and either got him to settle down or thrown another one and been rid of him. I know this shouldn't matter, but the score was 7-0 and I didn't want to punish his kids because he was being a jerk. We had a long talk about this over our post-game beverages.

I want to address this during our pregame tonight to make sure it doesn't happen again.  My question (finally) is this:  Is it appropriate for the U or BJ to throw a flag on the coach?  They're experienced and i don't worry about "rabbit ears" with either of them.  But if they've "had enough" before the wing or me, is that an ok flag for them to throw? 

[sir55]

We use a 6 man crew. I tell the sideline officials to do their jobs. That includes their own BS meter of how much abuse they want to take from the coaches. (Don't throw it in the 4th quarter and tell me he has been doing it the entire game.) It does not include comments from the coaches that indicate we cheat, etc. Those are to be taken care of immediately with the flag. Likewise, if the coaches are using profanity, I want that stopped, we don't need to hear it. The only time I will throw a flag on the coaches is if the profanity gets loud enough that I can clearly hear it from the center of field, and no flag comes from the wing. If I can hear it, the kids in the stands can hear it and needs to end. We have been instructed by the State that sportsmanship is to be stressed and penalized when it is not being done. I am glad to hear that your crew is taking care of the uniform adornments and illegal equipment in the pregame. I have worked behind many crews that don't.

[Ted T]

My philosophy is similar to yours.  I want my wings to handle their sideline because they are the ones who have to deal with it.
That being said, I will let them know if a coach is getting my attention in the middle of the field and expect them to take care of it.  If they don't, then I may have to.
What we have used is the sideline warning as a relatively painless way to get their attention.  While this rule is technically not designed to deal with the belligerent coach, it would be rare for such a coach not to exceed the designated boundaries from time to time.